Question

n the excerpt from Common Sense, what does Thomas Paine think the British should feel in their alleged parental relationship with the Colonies?

Answer 1

Paine points out that Britain protected the colonies for its own financial gain, not out of altruism. Additionally if the colonies had not been dependent on Britain, then they would no longer be enemies with countries that are enemies of Britain. Therefore, Paine argues, the very condition of being Britain's colony is what brought about the need for protection in the first place. There is more but essentially he's saying they should be ashamed.